General News
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for David L. Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts
William Penn Charter School hosted a formal ribbon cutting on January 28, 2010 for the new, Silver LEED registered David L Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts. The center comprises a 650 seat theater and support spaces as well as dedicated choral and band rooms, faculty offices and a library. A highlight of the sustainable design initiatives is a green roof of 18,000 sedum plants. The school will celebrate the inaugural performing arts season with a series of performances, tours and a special broadcast of WHYY’s “You bet Your Garden” on May 5 at 7pm. Click here to learn more.
Daniela Voith is juror for 2010 Palladio Awards
Daniela Voith, AIA,LEED AP served as a juror for the 2010 Palladio Awards program sponsored by Traditional Building and Period Homes magazines. The awards program is designed to honor outstanding achievement in traditional design. The awards will be presented in October 2010 at the Traditional Building Conference to be held in Chicago. Click here to learn more.
McLendon Hall receives LEED Silver
The new 55,000 sf McLendon Hall at Drew University was recently awarded Silver LEED certification. The 160-bed residence hall features suite style configuration of rooms and a student center with shop n go on the entry level. The highly sustainable building’s performance, including its Geothermal cooling & heating system, can be monitored by students with up to the minute indicators on the “green screen” centrally located in the lobby. This project received LEED innovation points for its green cleaning program. Click here to learn more.
Cluver to Advise the Philadelphia Historical Commission
This March, VMA Partner John Cluver was appointed to the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s Architectural Committee. John was one of three architects selected from the Philadelphia area on the basis of his experience and accomplishments in the field of historic preservation. In this position, he will make design recommendations to the Commission as it reviews projects that stand to affect historic properties throughout the city.
Voith Earns Public Service Award
Daniela Voith, along with her fellow Architectural Committee members, was awarded a Public Service Award for Preservation in the Public Interest in April. Daniela served on the Committee between 2004 and 2007, meeting monthly to review project applications, and offering the Philadelphia Historical Commission her technical and design expertise.
VMA Welcomes John H. Cluver As a New Partner
John H. Cluver, AIA, LEED-AP has recently been made partner after being with VMA for 14 years. Having received a Bachelor of Architecture magna cum laude from Notre Dame and a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania, he also serves as Director of Historic Preservation. John has shared his expertise through presenting at professional conferences as well as publishing in trade journals. John’s interests lie not only in the preservation of historic structures, but the inherent sustainability of conserving these significant resources in a manner that is environmentally responsible. He has been project manager for the award-winning restoration and adaptive reuse of the Frank Furness designed Centennial Bank Building is currently the project manager for the restoration of Dwight Hall, Yale University’s second oldest building. VMA welcomes John as a new partner that will continue to reinforce the firm’s design philosophy of tradition within the context of innovation.
Daniela Voith Appointed to Zoning Code Commission
Daniela Holt Voith has been appointed by Mayor Nutter to his newly formed Zoning Code Commission. The commission is tasked with overhauling the Philadelphia Zoning Code to bring it up to date and put it back in touch with the needs of Philadelphia and its neighborhoods. For more information please visit www.zoningmatters.org
Whosoever Gospel Mission in Germantown
Whosoever Gospel Mission in Germantown began the process of rebuilding with some help from Germantown Friends School students and volunteers from Voith & Mactavish Architects led by Cameron Mactavish in honor of Martin Luther King Day. The crew worked under the supervision of E. Allen Reeves Construction as demolition began in the renovation of the Men’s Dormitory building. The mission has been closed since 2006 when a fire broke out which consumed one building and severely damaged the Men’s Dormitory along with the Thrift Store.
The renovations will bring the Men’s Dormitory up to code, and provide the residents with a new kitchen and administrative offices as well as improved living area and Chapel. Minor renovations will also permit the Thrift Store to reopen. Most importantly, it will be the first step in permitting the Mission to reopen its doors and provide the services that have been so valuable to this community.
In a future phase of new construction, the Mission will extend it services to women and children with a new residential program called “Hannah’s Place.”
The Whosoever Gospel Mission is a non-profit organization that provides counseling, literacy training, rehabilitation and job seeking skills to hurting, homeless men in need, while also providing no cost shelter and residential accommodations. The Mission is located at 101 E. Chelten Avenue in Germantown.
“Structure, purpose, and beauty at the Anthenaeum,” Thom Nickets, Weekly Press, February 2009
“Structure, purpose, and beauty at the Anthenaeum,” Thom Nickets, Weekly Press, February 2009
BMFI celebrates with ceremonial marquee lighting
March 12, 2006 (Bryn Mawr, PA) — VMA joined the Bryn Mawr community in a ceremonial lighting of the historic Bryn Mawr Theater’s new, historically-inspired marquee. The celebration marked the one-year anniversary of the theater’s reopening and the completion of the first phase of renovations. Now underway, Phase II will include the renovation of the theater’s second floor and the restoration of the historic arcade.
VMA helps Katrina Victims plan to rebuild
March 6, 2006 (New Orleans, LA) — Senior Associate John Cluver, AIA, recently traveled to New Orleans as a volunteer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Center of New Orleans. Working with staff members from these non-profit organizations, John traveled through New Orleans to catalogue the extent and cause of damage from Hurricane Katrina. During visits to 14 homes and a church, John evaluated structural damage and helped overwhelmed and ill-informed home-owners make plans to rebuild. Although the week spent in the Big Easy was anything but easy, Cluver is grateful for having had the opportunity to help the residents of New Orleans cope with the difficult task of rebuiding their city.
Voith presents at 2006 NAIS Conference.
March 1, 2006 (Boston, MA) — Daniela Holt Voith, AIA, LEED, recently presented at the 2006 NAIS conference in Boston. Given in association with Peter Wenigman of Wilmington Friends School, Linda Heinemann of the George School, and Michael Williamson of Germantown Friends School, the presentation was entitled “Common Spaces as a Catalyst for Communication.” The panel discussion addressed how common spaces on independent school campuses can create opportunities for students, teachers and administrators to interact outside of the classroom.
VMA Congratulates New Associates
February, 2006 (Philadelphia, PA) — Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP congratulates Mark Monteith, AIA, LEED, and Mary Talley on their recent promotions to Associate.
Having worked at Voith & Mactavish Architects since 1999, Mark completed his ARE in 2005 and achieved his LEED accreditation in 2004. Mark’s project experience includes the restoration of the historic Carnegie Library and 1960 addition located on the National Register of Historic Places quadrangle of the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. He is currently managing the design team for the new Performing Arts Center at Malvern Preparatory School as well as the restoration of the three-story Victorian Grand Entry Court in Drexel University’s building number one.
Mary Talley, Director of Business Development, began her tenure with Voith & Mactavish Architects in 2000. Mary is a member of SMPS, APPA, SCUP and oversees marketing, communications and business development efforts for the firm.
Chestnut Hill College’s new dormitory now complete
January, 2006 (Philadelphia, PA) — Following an accelorated design-build process, the completion of Chestnut Hill College’s new 40,000 sf, six-story dormitory provides 146 new beds, a new student center and an outdoor piazza to accommodate the school’s growing population.
Penn Law’s renovated lecture halls open to students
January, 2006 (Philadelphia, PA) — Penn Law students returned from their winter break to four newly renovated lecture halls in the Law School’s Gittis Hall building. With a minimal amount of structural intervention, VMA reconfigured the existing classrooms to support the school’s Socratic teaching method.
Voith LEEDs the way at ABOPS Conference
December 5, 2005 (Middletown, DE) — Daniela Voith addressed the Association of Business Officers for Preparatory Schools at St. Andrew’s campus in Middletown, Delaware, with a presentation entitled “To LEED or not to LEAD: The Boarding School Community’s Quest for Sustainable Design.”. Given with John Tuke of the Hotchkiss School, the presentation discussed the general principles of sustainable design and outlined the process of LEED certification.
Darrow School Hires VMA for Master Plan
December, 2005 (New Lebanon, NY) — The Darrow School selected Voith & Mactavish to complete a comprehensive master plan for its upstate New York campus. A National Historic Landmark, the campus features beautiful Shaker architecture dating back to the original Shaker farming community of 1787. VMA will help the school to evaluate its available resources and create a plan for future growth, being mindful of the school’s commitment to sustainable practices.
VMA welcomes Smith
November 28, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — Catherine Smith is the most recent member of the VMA team. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania, Catherine’s background is in residential, commercial and corporate design. She is a welcome addition to the VMA staff.
VMA to develop Master Plan for Oakwood Friends School
November, 2005 (Poughkeepsie, NY) — Oakwood Friends School, a small Quaker day and boarding school located in upstate New York, recently engaged VMA for a comprehensive master plan. Involved will be the analysis of the school’s existing structures in terms of the allocation of physical and financial resources. The master plan will focus on the creation of an identifiable Middle School as well as improvements to the arts & humanities program and athletic facilities.
Accardi joins VMA staff
October, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — Virginia Accardi was hired to join the Voith & Mactavish team. Originally from Venezuela, Virginia grew up in Argentina and graduated from Universidad de Los Andes. Virginia is a registered architect in Venezuela and is completing the process of becoming registered in Pennsylvania.
VMA to renovate Yale University’s Dwight Hall
August, 2005 (New Haven, CT) — Voith & Mactavish Architects will renovate the second oldest building on the Yale University campus. Built in 1842, Dwight Hall is home to the Student Outreach Center for Public Service and Social Justice and is used by over 60 student-run service and advocacy groups. The Voith & Mactavish team will improve accessibility, incorporate technological upgrades and renovate both the building’s envelope as well as the historic interiors and chapel.
Scibal joins VMA team
July 11, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — Hope Gordon Scibal has joined the marketing team at Voith & Mactavish Architects. As Marketing Coordinator, she will assist Director of Business Development Mary E. Talley. Hope received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University (2002) and graduated from Groton School in 1998. She recently relocated to Philadelphia from Somerville, New Jersey.
Malvern Preparatory School hires VMA to design new Arts Center
July, 2005 (Malvern, PA) — Malvern Preparatory School recently hired Voith & Mactavish Architects to design a new Fine & Performing Arts Center for their Malvern, PA campus. An Augustinian Catholic school for boys in grades 6–12, Malvern Preparatory School is building the new facility in honor of their current President Reverend David J. Duffy, who has been a distinguished figure in the school’s history for more than thirty years. The building will feature a 600-seat theater in addition to fine arts studios, music classrooms and visual arts gallery space.
Mactavish participates in School Design Charrette
June, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — Cameron Mactavish, AIA, LEED, recently participated in a Design Charrette for the Franklin Conference on School Design in Philadelphia. The charrette was part of a civic engagement project sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Urban Research and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Editorial Board to reclaim a vacant landmass in the Logan triangle section of Philadelphia. The 35-acre tract of land had been considered unusable after over 900 “sinking” homes in the area had to be demolished beginning in 1986. Cameron’s team explored the possibility of reclaiming this abandoned space to build an attractive and inviting community school, using entirely green initiatives and sustainable materials.
VMA to renovate Navy Yard Building 120
December, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — Working in association with Athenian Properties, VMA will participate in the renovation of Philadelphia Shipyard’s Building 120 for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). Built in 1935, the 125,037 square foot warehouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This adaptive reuse project will include the creation of television and film sound stages, ancillary offices, production shops and related support spaces.
Center City garden wins Palladio Award
April, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — Voith & Mactavish Architects in association with Victoria Steiger Garden Design received the 2005 Palladio Award for Exterior Spaces: Gardens and Landscapes for the design of a Center City garden. The award-winning design was recently featured in the July 2005 issue of Clem Labine’s Period Homes magazine.
Voith to speak at the Institute of Classical Architecture
April, 2005 (New York, NY) — Daniela Holt Voith, AIA, LEED will speak at the Institute of Classical Architecture in New York on April 14. Her presentation, entitled “The Search for Contemporary Meaning in Traditional Forms,” will address how a design philosophy rooted in traditional architectural design principles remains applicable in a contemporary context. Her presentation reflects one of Voith & Mactavish’s core principles that traditional forms are a relevant and important component of contemporary design.
Cluver to present at Traditional Building Conference
March, 2005 (Philadelphia, PA) — John H. Cluver, AIA will give a presentation entitled “The Low-Cost, Low-Maintenance Mirage” at the annual Traditional Building Exhibition & Conference to be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA, April 27–30. The presentation will explore the inital costs and promises of replacement products and compare their long-term costs and performance with that of the original or in-kind materials. Attendees will learn to recognize the short- and long-term costs of replacing historic materials; understand the environmental impact of replacing existing building materials; and learn to make an economic and environmental case for preserving historic materials. John is the Senior Associate and Director of Preservation at VMA.
Voith to present at NAIS
February, 2005 (San Diego, CA) — Daniela Holt Voith, AIA, LEED will participate in a panel presentation entitled “Stewardship of the Environment — Millbrook School’s plan for a sustainable campus” at the annual National Association of Independent Schools conference to be held in San Diego, CA, February 23–25. The panel will be led by Robert Lake, Dean of Students, Millbrook School and will also include Jose Alminana, Landscape Architect, Andropogon Associates. The presentation will describe the evolution of Millbrook School’s approach to a sustainable campus including the landscape, built environment, and daily practices which support its mission of stewardship of the environment.
Pitman United Methodist Church will rebuild
January 16, 2005 (Pitman, NJ) — Just over a year after the historic Pitman United Methodist Church was consumed in a tragic fire, this congregation is proceeding steadily towards the realization of a new facility to be located at the gateway of their community at the intersection of Broadway and Lambs Road. Recently completed, the schematic design includes a new sanctuary, chapel, library and media center, classrooms, offices, and a multi-purpose social hall which seats 300 and also serves as a gymnasium. Pending approvals, ground breaking is anticipated to occur this summer.